I live in Alabama, so I can definitely understand the whole “getting into the spirit”. I have to agree with Trisha. Put on “White Christmas” or even “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Better yet, watch the hilariously funny “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. I laugh every single time I watch that movie.

Gingerbread men are rather festive for the season. 😉 Pies, cookies or cakes could put you in the mood.

Christmas music–yes! Whip out some Bing Crosby or some of the older versions of Christmas tunes. I happen to love the older versions of Christmas songs more so than what singers put out today.

I also love to read Christmas romances this time of the year. Who doesn’t love a good romance? Hallmark Channel also has a lot of movies playing this time of the year.

Good luck and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year ahead.

watch christmas movies Holiday Affair and It Happened on 5th Avenue The Apartment is always a good one to watch between Christmas and New years/ The Plot Monkeys blog site also has a post today about how one comment can help raise money for water so post a comment to help somene else. That makes me feel more in the Christmas spirit.

I would say, read a holiday book. Since we didn’t really decorate this year, I have been reading a lot Christmas books. Which has help. I also pop in Christmas movies. I would suggest Christmas Vacation or Elf those good ones to get y’all into the spirit.

Directions
1.Place water into a small saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean, nutmeg and orange peels. Turn heat to medium until water starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer as long as desired. Check water level every 1/2 hour that you have simmering. Water needs to be added as needed. Do not let water evaporate. Use potpourri for 2 days (adding additional water as necessary) then discard and make a new batch.

Just an update…I took everyone’s suggestion about music and while I’m working on my current project I put on http://www.KLOVE.com and am listening to their Christmas channel. I admit, with your comments buoying me, I’m starting to feel more festive.

Once the rain we’re getting changes to SNOW (7-11 predicted with blizzard conditions), I’m sure it’ll feel even more like Christmas.

But, I’d love even more suggestions and comments. You guys are so great!!

I’ve had a hard time this year too. I’ve finally finished most of my shopping which helps and the cards went out yesterday. My daughter had her tree trimming party last week and mine isn’t until this Sunday so I have no decorations up yet!!! And my husband hates Christmas songs so I haven’t heard any yet. He just decided to do some home projects before the party and is driving me crazy! Maybe that snow that’s due will get me in the mood 🙂

It’s so good to know I’m not alone. I have very little decorations up this year…perhaps that’s part of the problem.

Our snow has just started to fall (right on schedule). We haven’t seen any since last February (a record for our town)…and that may be part of it too. When you live in a climate where Christmas is usually associated with cold and snow and you don’t have any…well, it makes a difference. But personally, I like not having icy and snowpacked roads.

I’m finding it hard to get into the Christmas Spirit too… my little budgie died on 8th, December – just when she was getting better after taking a stroke on 1st, December. She died from heart failure in my hands.

I really don’t feel like celebrating anything and feel like crawling into a deep dark hole and telling the world to go away… but I’m not.
I’ve bought everyone their presents, wrapped them and did up the house. I’ve tried listening to Christmas Carols, but my Little Miss Stevie loved them all, so I can’t right now without crying my eyes out.

This year, I’ve been a little more generous; however, I’ve also been a lot quieter.

Hang around with some little kids. Baby Galen is so excited she can hardly stand it. She sings Christmas songs non-stop, talks about Santa and Jesus, and asks when it will snow (um, never). Little kids really show us the spirit of Christmas

Watch Miracle on 34th Street (the original) and It’s a Wonderful Life this weekend. We usually watch these every year while decorating the tree, but didn’t this year for some reason.
I agree with Shana about hanging out with little kids. I have a fleeting Christmas spirit this year, but my little one usually gets me back in the mood.
Not sure what it is, but I know that I would like to focus more in the moment for awhile instead of doing all the thinking ahead.
Merry Christmas, Everyone! Happy Hopeful Holidays!

I’m afraid I’m having the same problem this year — really not feeling the holiday spirit at all. Going to a holiday concert (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) helped but it didn’t really kickstart me yet….. I’ve even been watching Christmas movies on Lifetime and Hallmark, too.

I live in California so I don’t know what a white Christmas is, we get a wet one or a sunny one. I decorate the outside of the house first, that way when I drive up I see how beautiful and festive it looks. That and eggnog and brandy always put me in the mood.

Surrounding yourself with xmas-cheer is bound to rub of some, I think.

I personally get into the spirit by inviting a friend or relative over. Have tea or lunch together & remember the good times (at Christmas) we had together. I also read cookbooks to get ideas for a holiday meal & love to watch holiday movies, at least two a week. I surround myself with my favorite Christmas romances and look at last years holiday pictures. 😀

Google “Christmas Puppies”. Aww so many adorable ones there. For me, I love hearing story about people helping out and giving back to the community. In my local news there is always a story or two that makes me think how lucky and grateful I am. Happy Holidays!